The Messenger ~ January 2018

Transcription

1 The Messenger ~ January 2018 Our Savior s Lutheran Church and School San Clemente, California Inspired to Love, Encouraged to Think, and Sent to Serve And God is able to provide you with every blessing in abundance, so that by always having enough of everything, you may share abundantly in every good work. 2 Corinthians 9.8 The future is calling. From the very beginning of our congregation people have dreamed of having a dedicated Fellowship Hall or gathering space that allowed the people of Our Savior s to come together in fellowship opportunities regardless of the weather. A space that not only could host memorial gatherings, weddings and parish events; but a space that could help us continue our history of reaching out into the community by providing a place where organizations and other likeminded groups might be able to meet and provide for the community. A space that would provide a focal point for our social and educational ministry and be large enough so that the Sanctuary would no longer need to function as a multipurpose building. A space that our students will be able to use for school events and activities that has multiple configurations and up to date infrastructure. In 2015 Shig and Miyeko Kinoshita wanted to provide the means by which the people of Our Savior s would be inspired and motivated to move forward with the construction of a new Fellowship Hall here on our campus. Their gift of $300,000 of which 2/3 has been received and the remaining $100,000 will be received on January 1, 2018 is meant to challenge others to reach our goal in order to begin construction of the Fellowship hall in June of Why now. The addition of a Fellowship hall is not just about building for the sake of building; but for the ability to carry our mission and ministry here at Our Savior s. We can imagine the following benefits to our ministry: Providing the space needed for hospitality at Memorials, Weddings and other congregational functions, which is accessible to our kitchen and Founders Room. Providing space for organizations like Family Assistant Ministries, Friends of San Onofre Marines, and various other non-profits who are often limited by cost and availability of adequate facilities. Providing an Auditorium like setting for our school so that students have a space with maximum flexibility for food, school activities and events. Providing relief to the Sanctuary of the wear and tear that comes with being a Multi-Purpose building and restoring it to its rightful purpose as a place for worship and the glory of God. Providing an up to date teaching center that can utilize the very best in technology such as video, audio, and computer interactions including hearing assistance and state of the art infrastructure. Giving us added flexibility in worship (overflow capabilities) while providing a beautiful upgrade to our campus including an expanded pedestrian only area and a formal and well-designed entrance way to the Sanctuary. As construction costs continue to rise, with our Master Plan still in play with the city of San Clemente, and with a generous $300,000 gift; God has given us an opportunity to provide for the ministry needs of generations to come. This project is manageable, doable, and well within our means to accomplish. It will however require all of us to work together and to give generously out of the abundance that God has already given us. Join with us as we pray for the vision of this opportunity to be caught, generosity to flourish and God s continued presence as we move forward in our mission and ministry together. Peace! Pastor Jeff Frohner P.S. In order to view the entire Case Statement for the Fellowship Hall please go to our web page and click on the tab: Case Statement for the Fellowship Hall.

2 Here s a sneak peek! The New Fellowship Hall will provide us the means to carry out our current ministry; but more importantly will help us branch out even further into our community. The gathering space will be over 1,400 sq. ft. which will allow for 150 people to sit at tables. The space will also include new bathrooms, and adequate storage for tables and chairs. The entrance will include a pedestrian only walkway and offer some outside gathering space as well. CHALKING OF THE DOOR A LITTLE EPIPHANY TRADITION! Epiphany (also known as Twelfth Night, Theophany, or Three Kings Day) marks the occasion of a time-honored Christian tradition of chalking the doors. The formula for the ritual adapted for 2018 is simple: take chalk of any color and write the following above the entrance of your home: 20 + C+M + B (Picture at right is for 2013). The letters have two meanings. First, they represent the initials of the Magi Caspar, Malchior, and Balthazar who came to visit Jesus in His first home. They also abbreviate the Latin phrase, Christus mansionem benedicat: May Christ bless the house. The + signs represent the cross, and the 20 at the beginning and the 18 at the end mark the year. Taken together, this inscription is performed as a request that Christ to bless those homes so marked that he stay with those who dwell therein throughout the entire year. The chalking of the doors is a centuries-old practice throughout the world, though it appears to be someone less well-known in the United Sates. It is, however, an easy tradition to adopt, and a great practice whereby we dedicate our year to God from its very outset, asking His blessing on our homes and on all who live, work or visit them there. The timing for the chalking of the doors varies somewhat in practice. In some places, it is done on New Year s Day. More commonly, it is performed on January 6th the traditional Feast of the Epiphany. Most often the chalking takes place after Epiphany Mass, and can be done at any church, home, or dwelling. Traditionally the blessing is done by either a clergy the father/mother of the family. This blessing can be performed simply by just writing the inscription and offering a short prayer, or more elaborately, including songs, prayers, processions, the burning of incense, and the sprinkling of holy water. Why not give your home a blessing for 2018! 2

3 Birthdays, Anniversaries & More ~ January Birthdays ~ ~ January Anniversaries ~ Bonnie Forester 1/3 Jule McGuire 1/3 Hector Reyes 1/4 Laurie Schmall 1/4 Beth Apodaca 1/5 Mimi Eads 1/5 Patrick Hamil 1/5 Jeanne Mills 1/8 Zane Pert 1/8 Aaron Hathaway 1/9 Matthew Baker 1/10 Howard Sharp 1/11 Barbara Baldwin 1/12 Austin Hamil 1/13 Sally Sharp 1/14 Zachary Krogman 1/15 Erin Rowe 1/17 Bob Engelbretson 1/18 Eugene Hallinan 1/18 Wilson Olbrich 1/19 Al Riebau 1/20 Thomas Eads* 1/21 Rachel Buzzell 1/22 Jim Keisker 1/22 Zachary Kruse 1/22 Keith Hoffmeister 1/23 Sean Hoffmeister 1/23 Danny Doyle 1/24 Chase Cardoso 1/25 Ellie Gardner 1/25 KC Kelly 1/25 Justin Greco 1/26 Natasha Overin 1/26 Jessica Stewart 1/26 Andy Goulding 1/27 Steve Rennie 1/27 Sophie Schmall 1/27 Jim Wall 1/27 Devlin Rowe 1/30 Claudine Shira 1/30 Karen Coffee 1/31 Spencer Schrofer 1/31 Bob & Joyce Engelbretson 1/9 Don & Jeanne Mills 1/16 Thomas & Mimi Eads 1/23 Thank you, for your love and generosity! On behalf of the whole family I want to thank everyone for their love and generosity over the Christmas season. Your prayers, thoughtfulness and Christmas gifts have touched us deeply and from the bottom of our hearts we say thank you! Keep us in your prayers as we lift you up and we ll continue to move forward in God s love for one another. Pastor Jeff and Family Have You Ditched Your Landline (aka telephone)??? Please call or the church office with your updated contact number. (949) oslcsec@sbcglobal.net 7th Graders Parent/Confirmand Meeting Session #2 Sunday ~ January 28, 2018 ~ 3:00pm to 6:00pm On Sunday, January 28th from 3:00pm-6:00pm we ll have our second Parent and Confirmand night here at the church. This is the second of a series of three meetings where confirmation students and parent/s come together to look at their faith and why that faith matters in the world. This session focus is on the Bible itself. We will share a simple dinner following. Any questions please call the church office. Donate Online 3

4 January 2018 Music Notes I listened to a lot of Christmas music in December. I heard it on the radio. I heard it in church. I heard it at home. I sang it at work. Christmas music is wonderful! But, it is now January. A new year has begun and it is time to move on. However, I would like to share the lyrics of a song with you. You may have heard Amy Grant sing it in the 1980 s or Kelly Clarkson sing it this past Christmas. The original title was A Prayer for Every Year and it was written by David Foster and Linda Thompson Jenner. Here are the lyrics as Mr. Foster and Ms. Thompson-Jenner wrote them: Do you remember me? Long ago on bended knee, I prayed to You with childhood fantasies. Well I'm all grown up now. And still need help somehow? I'm not a child but my heart still can dream. This is only a song. But what if??? Jesus said, Unless you turn and become like children, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven. Matthew 18.2b. Maybe it is just that simple Reaching out my hand in kindness as a child of God to help other children of the same Father. Happy New Year! In His service Karen Skipper, Director of Music COFFEE WITH JESUS GIVE US THIS DAY Please hear my prayer tonight, And help me do what s right, Not for myself but for a world in need. No more lives torn apart, That wars would never start, And time would heal all hearts, And every[one] would have a friend, And right would always win, And love would never end. This is my prayer for eve ry year. May kindness rule our lives, Not just the strong survive, Sweet tears for all a thousand years gone by, This is the world I pray, We will share someday. Let me begin by reaching out my hand. What is this illusion called the innocence of youth? Maybe only in their blind belief will we ever find the truth. 4

5 Youth and Children s Page by Bob Cooper - Director of Youth and Children s Ministry 2018 Already? OK, 2017 is officially in the books and what a great year it was! Way back on new year s eve 2016 the 7th grade confirmation students started off the new year right by serving breakfast with the homeless and hungry at T.A.C.O. (Third Avenue Charitable Organization) in San Diego, not only did they serve breakfast, we brought over 2000 pairs of socks and underwear to distribute as well! We also continued our participation in the Souper Bowl of Caring and raised nearly $600! In February the middle school kids went on a winter retreat to beautiful El Camino Pines and had a wonderful time. Speaking of El Camino Pines, they have a new Pastor/Director that has just started, Our Savior s own former youth director, Wes Menke! This should make for a great connection to this important component to youth ministry as we continue our partnership with El Camino Pines and Luther Glen. We continued our monthly service with the Welcome Inn as well as our dinners at the Gilchrist House and FAM s new facility, The FAMily House. The Middle school kids stepped up and did the scripture readings during our Lenten evening worship services and did a great job. Our youth groups also provided soup supper one week during the Lenten Soup Suppers. At the end of Lent the high school group held the annual Palm Sunday Pancake Breakfast Fundraiser with master pancake guru Shig Kinoshita taking skillful control of all kitchen duties, many thanks to Shig for your help and leadership with this each year. Pastor Jeff went on sabbatical around mid-year and we had Pastor Ernie Worman step in and steer the ship while Pastor Jeff was out, Ernie did a wonderful job! During his time here Ernie helped with our Confirmation retreat as well as the school s graduation and the many other duties that a Pastor is called upon to do, he also became my friend and I look forward to meeting up with him again in Houston this summer at the National Youth Gathering! There were so many wonderful moments during 2017; The Synod Middle School Youth Gathering, The Western States High School Youth Gathering, K-1 speed, Big Air, Magic Mountain, Knott s Berry Farm, 5 countless small group devotions and prayer circles, the list goes on and on. Mostly it comes down to God in our lives and the knowledge that no matter what, no matter who or where, God is always with us and will never leave us, that s the lesson I m taking away from I wish you a happy and prosperous 2018! Bob Cooper, Director of Youth and Children s Ministry January 3 - Wednesday No Youth Events January 7 - Sunday HSYG 9:45am, YR Monday, January 8 Welcome Inn Dinner 4:00pm, Doheny January 9 - Tuesday Kids Club 3:00pm, YR Gilchrist House 6:00pm January 10 - Wednesday 5th Grade Confirmation 3:00pm, YR Youth Band 6:00pm, YR MSYG 6:30pm, YR January 13 - Saturday FAM Food Distribution 8:00am January 14 - Sunday Camp Sunday 8:30am & 10:30am HSYG 9:45am, YR January 17 - Wednesday 5th Grade Confirmation 3:00pm, YR Youth Band 6:00pm, YR MSYG 6:30pm, YR January 20 - Saturday HSYG Destination Unknown 7:00pm January 21 - Sunday HSYG 9:45am, YR January 24 - Wednesday 5th Grade Confirmation 3:00pm, YR Youth Band 6:00pm, YR MSYG 6:30pm, YR January 28 - Sunday HSYG 9:45am, YR 7th Grade Confirmation 3:00pm-6:00pm, FR January 31 - Wednesday 5th Grade Confirmation 3:00pm, YR Youth Band 6:00pm, YR MSYG 6:30pm, YR

6 ADULT EDUCATION MEN S BREAKFAST OWLS (MORE YOUTH) Sunday Morning Bible Study 9:50am to 10:25am Founders Room Starting January 7 King David: The Good, The Bad, and the Ugly! Join us as we look at the life of David. We ll explore his earliest beginnings as a tribal strongman to his family life, military conquests and rule as king of the united tribes of Israel. Wednesday Manna Bible Study 11:00am to 12:15pm Founders Room Starting January 3 A look at the coming lessons for Sunday Morning. There is no better way to prepare for Sunday morning that attending the Manna Bible Study. No experience necessary as we take a first look at the appointed lessons. Often Manna Bible Study directs the sermon and what is shared on Sunday morning. Everyone is welcome! Wednesday Night 5:30pm-6:30pm Founders Room Starting January 3 The New Testament, an owners guide. We ll continue with our one book a week format and dive into the New Testament. Starting with the Gospels (Matthew, Mark, Luke and John) we ll discover the main theme and most important verses that each book has to offer. (Childcare needed...contact Pastor Jeff) Walking Group The walking group continues to meet each Tuesday morning at 8:00am on the corner of Vista Hermosa and Costa Azul, to walk the Sea Summit Trails. All OWLs and OWLs in training (those below 55) are welcome to join us! OWLs Monthly Luncheon You are invited to the OWLs Luncheon and Bible Study on January 15, 2018 at 11:30am in the Founders Room. Bible Study will be on Beginnings. Luncheon options include: One palm sandwich and a salad for $5.00 Two palm sandwiches and a salad for $7.00. Please RSVP with your order by Thursday, January 11th. You may call the church office at (949) or text Roberta at (209) Blessings, Roberta Wall Youth Events Saturday ~ January 13 7:00am - 8:30am Calling all men You are invited to join us for a men's breakfast at OSLC. RSVP: John Mulligan at mulli63@gmail.com Friday, February 2-4 High School Winter Retreat El Camino Pines Friday, February 9-11 Kids Club Winter Retreat El Camino Pines Friday, February Middle School Winter Retreat El Camino Pines 6

7 SOCIAL CONCERNS MINISTRY TEAM NEWS Welcome Inn Meal Service Mondays, January 8 & February 12th Sent to Serve with Love Watch for the Sign-Up Genius from the church office. As always, we need people to donate menu items & Carl s Jr cards, and people to come with us to serve the dinner at Doheny State Park. Also, if you have travel size toiletries to donate, please leave them in the narthex and we will hand those out, too. We welcome your participation and thank you for your donations! Our Welcome Inn coordinator is Heidi Works, hsworks7@cox.net or (949) Winter Warmth for the Homeless During the winter months, we encourage you to donate new or clean, gently used men s beanies, gloves, scarves, rain ponchos, and white tube socks to help keep the homeless warm and dry. We will distribute these items to our Welcome INN guests. There are a few women but mostly men. Black collection bins are in the Narthex. Sometimes we forget to tell you about the results of our many projects. Here are a few recent ones. Purpose Jewelry Fair Trade Sale Our fair-trade jewelry sale benefiting International Sanctuary was a great success! We raised $2,000 to contribute to the holistic care of human trafficking survivors at sanctuaries in India, Uganda and Mexico. Purpose Jewelry is giving freedom to girls and women around the world. Every piece is handcrafted with love by a survivor of human trafficking. The art of jewelry making paired with holistic care ensures every artisan has dignity and hope for the future. Each tag is hand-signed by the young woman who made it. Please consider fulfilling your gift needs throughout the year by shopping online at purposejewelry.org. 7 continued on next page

8 Christmas Giving Tree Volunteers from OSLC/S had a fun time operating our shoe store at FAM s annual Christmas party on Saturday, December 16. We were able to give a new pair of athletic shoes to about 200 babies, children and teenagers, and almost that many went back to FAM s warehouse to fulfill continuing needs. Well done! Thanks to Kelly Frohner and Christa Parry for heading up this effort and to the many volunteers who helped fit the children and select just the right pair of shoes. It was awesome! Fall Food Drive OSLC/S delivered 900 pounds of non-perishable food to Family Assistance Ministries in November! Thanks to all who brought donations and to Character Council for making announcements at school opening. San Clemente Relay for Life Relay for Life was back in August, but we recently received the results of our efforts. OSLC/S raised $2,463 and was the 2nd place team out of 22 teams in fundraising! Total raised at the Relay was $33, people came out to walk laps for OSLC/S, and we had at least four walkers on the track at all times. Well done! (Mark your calendars now: This year s relay is July 21, 2018!) Habitat for Humanity of Orange County Sometimes we don t have any idea of the impact we ve had on someone s life. The following story appeared in Habitat for Humanity of Orange County s Annual Report. It is of significance to us here at Our Savior s because the story is about Carla and her son, Luis, who purchased one of the homes we built with the Lutheran Partnership back in See what a difference you made: Ten Years of Giving and Counting Luis learned the importance of giving back when others helped his mom build his Habitat OC home For many years, Luis and his mom Carla shared a bedroom in a tiny apartment. The apartment was too small and Luis wished for his own room someplace where he could read or study. Carla began saving to buy a home, but soon realized she wasn t going to be able to afford a home in Orange County on her budget. After searching for help, she came across the Habitat for Humanity of Orange County program. She applied and was selected to purchase a two-bedroom home in Placentia. On December 16, 2006, Carla and Luis moved into their Habitat OC home that was built with the help of donors and volunteers. It was a dream come true, Luis said. He had his own bedroom, and it was even decorated with cowboys and horses. That first night, I felt secure and peaceful, and at home. 8 continued on next page

9 That got Luis thinking about other people. I wanted other kids to have a house like mine, he said. He decided to raise money for Habitat OC, so they could build more homes for kids like him. A yard sale in his new yard seemed like a good idea. Luis donated many of his toys, and he made $57! Luis was so excited that he brought the money to the Habitat OC office the next day. But Luis didn t stop there. Every year since 2006, Luis and his mother stop by the Habitat OC office on December 16, the same day they moved into their Habitat OC home, to bring their yearly donation. Luis is currently attending college and trying to decide between Communications and International Business as his major. He s not quite sure where his future will lead him, but one thing is for sure he will continue to raise money to help Habitat OC build more homes for children like him. (Article courtesy of Habitat for Humanity Orange County) Some of you may remember working on this duplex unit in Placentia; many more of you helped build this home through the free will offering we take on the fourth Sunday each month. We began taking that offering back in Imagine the number of families like Carla and Luis that you have helped and will continue to help! Praise God from whom all blessings flow Kid s section ~ January

10 OUR SAVIOR S LUTHERAN CHURCH TREASURER S FINANCIAL REPORT OCTOBER 2017 Average October Attendance 189 Average Weekly Offering $8,523 Budget Requirement $11,209 October 2017 FYTD Unrestricted Gifts $33,010 $142,730 Budget $44,045 $176,181 These are your gifts to the church through general envelopes and plate offerings; they are used for operating budget expenses. Annual member contributions for the month ending October 31, 2017 were 25.05% BELOW the Congregation approved annual budget needs. As a reminder when you travel and are away from the Church please reflect on your ongoing pledges to help assist the church in meeting our commitments. Building Fund for October 31, 2017: $144, Building Fund as of December 29, 2017: $148, Designated Gifts October 2017 FYTD World Hunger $ 771 $ 2,518 Habitat for Humanity $ 215 $ 1,439 Total $ 986 $ 3,957 Church Mortgage Balance: $532, *monthly mortgage payment for the classroom building is paid from the school funds Thank You For Your Stewardship! God Bless, Bruce Quade, Treasurer CHURCH COUNCIL NOTES December 2017 Report Social Concerns - Hallie Stohler says: 900lbs of food was donated from the church and school Purpose Jewelry sale totaled $ pairs of shoes collected from the church and school WAY TO PITCH IN AT OUR SAVIOR S! Contact Hallie if you have any input or ideas for Social Concerns! Worship and Celebration - Kim Lindholm and team (mostly Chris Lindholm) have finished decorations for Christmas including a new Tree and Angel. IT LOOKS HEAVENLY! Buildings and Grounds - Chuck Pridham has had the tree trimmed requested by a neighbor, replaced numerous light bulbs, worked on school bathrooms. THANKS CHUCK! Please Chuck if you are a little bit handy...or a lot handy. Evangelism - Karen Coffee is working hard with a company on our website and a possible mobile app. Please see Karen if you have input on this or if you have any ideas to reach out to our community. THANKS FOR YOUR WORK KAREN StewardShip - Bob Oakley, Captain says that we are at 84% returned envelopes and by the time you read this it could be more. THANKS CAPTAIN BOB! Treasurer - Bruce Quade says bottom line, we are in good shape. If you are like me, that is great! If you are into details, Bruce is anxious to give them to you!! $$$THANKS FOR YOU REPORTS BRUCE$$$ Transfiguration of Our Lord, February 11, 2018 Ash Wednesday, February 14, 2018 Valentine s Day, February 14, 2018 First Sunday in Lent, February 18, 2018 Presidents Day, February 19, 2018 Second Sunday in Lent, February 25, 2018 Coming in January we are launching a campaign to raise funds for the new Fellowship Hall! So much to say about this but you will have to wait and find out! Blessings, M Liz Kelly ~ Council Secretary 10

11 Sun Mon Tue Wed Thu Fri Sat First Sunday of the month 1 School Break Church Office Closed 2 School Break 8:00 OSLs Walk 3 School Break 9:00 Sprout Program 11:00 Manna Bible Study will meet, FR 5:30 Adult Bible St All other Wednesday afternoon & evening 4 School Break 5 School Break World Hunger 8:30 Bold Worship 9:45 Adult Ed., HSYG 10:30 Classic Worship 6:00 Evening Worship 8 School Resumes 4:00 Welcome Inn Dinner 9 8:00 OSLs Walk 3:00 Kids Club 6:30 Council Meeting 10 9:00 Sprout Program 11:00 Manna Bible Study 3:00 5th Grade Conf 5:30 Adult Bible St 6:00 Youth Band 6:30 MSYG 6:45 Celebration Singers 7:15 6th Grade Conf :00 Men s 8:00 FAM Food Distribution 14 8:30 Bold Worship 9:45 Adult Ed., HSYG 10:30 Classic Worship 6:00 Evening Worship 15 No School 9:30 Women s Bible Study, Evey Thomsen 16 8:00 OSLs Walk 11:30 OWLs Luncheon 6:00 Gilchrist House, HSYG 6:30 School Brd Mtg, FR 17 9:00 Sprout Program 11:00 Manna Bible Study 3:00 5th Grade Conf 5:30 Adult Bible St 6:00 Youth Band 6:30 MSYG 6:45 Celebration Singers 7:15 6th Grade Conf :00 HSYG Destination Unknown 21 Building Fund 8:30 Bold Worship 9:45 Adult Ed., HSYG 10:30 Classic Worship 6:00 Evening Worship :00 OSLs Walk 24 9:00 Sprout Program 11:00 Manna Bible Study 3:00 5th Grade Conf 5:30 Adult Bible St 6:00 Youth Band 6:30 MSYG 6:45 Celebration Singers 7:15 6th Grade Conf 25 4:00 School Open House Habitat 8:30 Bold Worship 9:45 Adult Ed., HSYG 10:30 Classic Worship 3:00 7th Grade Confirmation, FR 6:00 Evening Worship :00 OSLs Walk 9:00 Women s Bible Study, Bonnie Little 31 9:00 Sprout Program 11:00 Manna Bible Study 3:00 5th Grade Conf 5:30 Adult Bible St 6:00 Youth Band 6:30 MSYG 6:45 Celebration Singers 7:15 6th Grade Conf Last Sunday of the month Holy Communion Served every Sunday

12 Our Savior s Lutheran Church and School 200 Avenida San Pablo San Clemente California RETURN SERVICE REQUESTED Non-Profit Org U.S. POSTAGE Paid Permit No. 40 San Clemente, CA Our Savior s Lutheran Church & School ~ The Messenger ~ January 2018 Inspired to Love, Encouraged to Think, and Sent to Serve WORSHIP HOURS 8:30am ~ Bold Worship, Sunday School 9:45am ~ High School Youth Group 9:50am ~ Adult Education 10:30am ~ Classic Worship, Sunday School 6:00pm ~ Evening Worship Nursery Care available all at all services for children 4 and under! Inside this issue: Pastor s Page 1 A Sneak Peak 2 Birthdays, Anniversaries & More... 3 Music Notes, Coffee With Jesus 4 Youth & Children s Ministry, Youth Calendar 5 Adult Ed, Men s Breakfast, OWLs News 6 Church Office (949) Fax (949) OSLCsec@sbcglobal.net Social Concerns 7 Social Concerns, cont., Kids Section 8 & 9 Financial, Council Notes 10 January 2018 Calendar 11 Inside this Issue 12 School Office (949) Fax (949) J.Arnau@oursaviorsschool.net